Blogs from Hawaii, United States, North America - page 232

The first day we went up to Haleakala crater to catch the sunset and learn about the massive volcano that flanks the south eastern side of the island. Travelling up the side of this massive volcano we passed through 5 diferent bio zones from temperate rainforest to desert 10,000ft up. The next day we hiked across the crater - the hike took 11 long hours. At that elevation with no cloud cover every part of your body has to be protected from the sun, the tops of my hands were very sunburned by days end. The endemic silversword (pictured) is an awesome sight to see...it only grows in the crater... a bright silver phallic looking plant that can reach up to 5 feet or so, it lives up to 50 years, blooms once then dies. The ... read more

more to come... read more

sigh...... read more

On the evening of March 31, a fire broke out in a Unit, 2 units away causing mostly smoke damage. So the past 3 weeks were spent cleaning, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing, etc. to remove the odor so I could finally move back in. After 3 weeks, I was able to accomplish pretty much was I could to make the place livable, and not a day too soon, as the 23rd Annual Hawaii Pacific University Intercultural Day was to take place, in downtown. Though I only discovered it during the past 5 years of it occurrence, it does give me something to look forward to. The students from the various countries set up booths mostly for informational purposes to give others the opportunity to learn and hopefully appreciate the richness of their culture. At about noon, ... read more

This past Sunday evening the streets of Waikiki looked more like the streets of Kyoto, Seoul, Naha or Hong Kong as the 28th Annual Pan-Pacific Parade took place. The event is a Japan sponsored function to promote friendship, culture exchange and fun between Japan and the Local cultures. The previous morning, there was another parade through Downtown and Waikiki honoring King Kamehameha (See Previous Journal). One would think it’ll be more sensible to have spread these events, let’s say at least a week or 2 apart, but hey, I just live here. Well, I’m not complaining as I love a parade anytime or anywhere. Basically various culture groups came from Japan specifically to participate in the event, such as traditional clowns, percussion bands, dancers, singers, etc. Usually at end, something new and interesting are featured. ... read more